Applications for EGA Ramp-Up Season 5 are now open
Following the success of four transformative seasons, we are excited to announce the launch of EGA Ramp-Up Season 5, powered by C3 - Companies Creating Change. This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, supporting innovative businesses that will drive economic growth and create new job opportunities in the UAE.
Over the past four seasons, the programme has delivered impactful training and mentorship to entrepreneurs whose ventures span environmental sustainability, digital innovation, human capital development and community engagement. Startups gained critical business insights, built valuable connections with seasoned mentors, and pitched to a panel of experts, investors and corporate leaders. The programme has also facilitated collaborations with EGA, unlocked financial support and enabled select startups to pilot their solutions within EGA, boosting local procurement and strengthening the UAE's innovation ecosystem.
Not a founder yet?
This page is for Track 2, the accelerator for startups with an MVP. If you are a student or an aspiring entrepreneur, Track 1 is for you: a series of free, expert-led masterclasses open to everyone.
Why Apply
Live online courses and interactive workshops led by international experts and C3 trainers in impact entrepreneurship.
One-to-one mentorship from industry experts, plus connections with fellow founders across the impact and sustainability space.
Direct collaboration with EGA, with select startups given the chance to pilot their solutions within EGA.
Pitch to a panel of experts, investors and corporate leaders, with financial rewards from EGA for selected startups.
Programme at a Glance
Selected for the training cohort
Advance to one-to-one mentorship
Environment, supply chain, digital innovation, human capital, community impact, and health and safety
For early-stage startups registered in the UAE
No fees and no equity taken
Pitch to investors, experts and EGA leaders
Are You Eligible to Apply?
To be one of the 20 startups selected, your startup must meet these four criteria.
Early-stage (Seed to Pre-Series A), operational for at least one year with an MVP.
Registered in the UAE.
Contributes to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Founders are fluent in written and spoken English.
Your startup should fit at least one of these six sectors.
How to Apply
Share a few basic details to register your interest. You'll receive a confirmation email with access to the live online courses introducing impact entrepreneurship.
Tell us about your founding team, your startup and your commitment to EGA Ramp-Up.
Application deadline: TBC20 UAE-based startups are selected against clear criteria. Attendance at the startup workshops is mandatory to progress to the mentorship phase.
Selected startups submit an updated pitch deck and pitch video. A panel of experts then chooses 10 startups for the mentorship phase.
Selection Criteria
Selection happens in two stages.
Startups are shortlisted on their fit with the sector and eligibility criteria. Applications are then evaluated across five areas.
Originality and uniqueness of the product or service.
Potential for growth and market expansion.
Ability to create widespread, sustainable social impact.
Expertise, experience and commitment of the founding team.
Clarity, thoroughness and professionalism of the application and pitch.
From the cohort, 10 startups move on to the mentorship phase, based on three areas.
Active participation and progress during the online courses and workshops.
Alignment between the startup's needs, growth strategy and potential for collaboration with EGA.
Demonstrated readiness to scale impact and integrate with EGA's operations.
What EGA Ramp-Up Alumni Have to Say
“Thank you so much for such a high standard program. Every detail was so considerate and truly focused on impact. It has been absolutely brilliant to balance everything and get the most out of the program whilst also benefitting my team!”
“Overall, the program was very insightful and well-organized. The focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios made the training highly relevant and impactful.”
“Well done! The program was exceptionally well-designed and met my expectations in terms of content and structure. The sequence of the material was logical and flowed beautifully.”
Alumni Updates
Took part in a previous season of EGA Ramp-Up? Tell us where your startup is today, from your team and customers to what has changed since the programme. It only takes a few minutes.
Open to alumni from Seasons 1 to 4.
Powered by C3
EGA Ramp-Up is powered by C3 (Companies Creating Change), a UAE-based, impact-driven global enterprise that gives change-makers the knowledge and skills to grow their social and environmental impact. Through a network of trainers, experts, investors and alumni, C3 equips impact-driven entrepreneurs to become catalysts for meaningful change.
Under the patronage of
Supporting EGA in fostering a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE.
FAQs
What benefits will I gain from participating in EGA Ramp-Up?
You'll join live online training led by C3 trainers with deep expertise in impact entrepreneurship, covering the fundamentals of building and scaling an impact-driven business.
You'll also receive personalised mentorship from industry experts and build connections with like-minded founders across the impact and sustainability space.
Finalists pitch at a final event in front of expert panels and investors from the C3 and EGA networks. Selected startups may receive financial rewards from EGA and the chance to pilot their solutions within EGA.
Which sectors and subsectors are eligible for the programme?
Your startup should align with one or more of the following sectors.
- Environment: recycling, post-consumer aluminium recycling, GHG emissions, biodiversity, air quality, waste management, decarbonisation
- Supply Chain & Logistics: process simplification, warehousing operations, responsible procurement and sourcing, contractor relationships
- Digital Innovations: sustainable IT solutions, blockchain, robotics, AI, digital and IT solutions, generative industry technologies
- Human Capital Development: talent identification, diversity and inclusion, employee well-being and communication, Emiratisation initiatives
- Community Impact: youth education, skills development, gender diversity, women's empowerment, mentorship platforms
- Health & Safety: occupational health and safety services, health and wellness products, workplace safety innovations
These are general categories. Specific eligibility may vary based on alignment with EGA's strategic priorities.
Are NGOs or NPOs eligible to apply?
No. EGA Ramp-Up is designed exclusively for for-profit startups creating positive environmental or social impact through their business models. NGOs and NPOs play a critical role, but this programme focuses on supporting impact-driven businesses.
How are startups selected for the programme?
Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the C3 Programmes Team and EGA Heads of Departments. Selection criteria include:
- Innovation and impact potential
- Scalability of business and social impact
- Strength and capabilities of the founding team
- Alignment with EGA's goals and programme themes
How much time will I need to commit to the programme?
- Training phase: the online training runs for 2 weeks, requiring around 8 hours per week for pre-reading, interactive workshops and key deliverables.
- Mentorship phase: if selected, this phase runs over 3 months, with 2 hours per mentor per month for one-to-one mentoring sessions.
Is there any cost or equity requirement to participate?
No. The programme is completely free for selected startups, with no fees and no equity taken. In return, we expect full commitment and active participation throughout.
What are the requirements if I'm selected for EGA Ramp-Up?
If selected, you will be required to:
- Register as a supplier on EGA's portal
- Sign an agreement outlining the terms of participation
Can I get involved as a mentor?
Yes. If you're interested in mentoring or advising startups in the programme, email egaramp-up@wegrowwithc3.com with details of your background, expertise and areas of interest.